DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PORTABLE PANEL AND REGULAR RIGID SOLAR PANEL

As the solar industry develops over the years, companies are offering much more options for solar users. There are an increasing number of people exploring their solar possibility other than the traditional panels. To be specific, portable solar panels have gained a lot popularity. But many are wondering whether portable panel will be suitable for their needs.

In this article, we will explore the differences between a portable solar panel and a rigid solar panel. First, we will take a closer look at each one of them.

Rigid Solar Panel

Rigid solar panel is a very traditional product that has been in the industry since the beginning. As a result, rigid models are the first thing that come to our minds when someone says solar panel.

Components

A rigid solar panel is made of toughened glass, back sheet, aluminum alloy frame, silica gel, junction box, cables and connectors, and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) which is an encapsulant for solar cells.

Functions

The photovoltaic cells on the panel will convert solar radiant energy directly or indirectly into electrical energy through photoelectric effect or photochemical effect. In plain words, the components on the solar panel can convert the solar energy into electricity.

For a rigid panel to work, you would also need other accessories, such as charge controller, mounting system, connecting cables, etc.

Price

Since rigid panels have been in the market for decades, the popularity and reliability have helped them to achieve economics of scale, meaning the price is kept low due to the popular demand. As a result, between portable and rigid solar panel, the latter mostly costs less.

Portable Solar Panel

As its name suggest, portable solar panel advocates mobility and flexibility. It is relatively new to the market to meet demand from people that needs solar power on the go.

Components & Functions

The panel itself is very much the same with rigid solar panel. They both use the same technology to convert radiation from the sun into electricity. It might use different material to reduce the size and weight. At Newpowa, all portable solar kits are using the higher efficiency Mono-crystalline panels, so that the kit can be smaller in size and lower in weight.

Beside the panels, a Newpowa portable solar kit includes a charge controller, 16ft cable, Anderson connector to battery clamp adaptor, adjustable supporting legs, carrying handle, and durable protective case.

With all the necessary components included, the kit is designed as plug-and-play and ready to be used by customer with no prior solar knowledge. In the meantime, it provides high mobility and flexibility, perfect to be used in various occasions.

Price

Portable solar panel is usually sold in a kit that comes with the necessary accessories. Also, portable unit may user higher efficiency material to reduce weight and size. Thus, they will all factor into a higher price than that of a rigid panel.

Rigid vs. Portable

So which one should you choose? To answer that question, there are many factors should be taken into consideration.

Durability

Because rigid panels are for permanent installation in the open, it means they are designed with very durable material. The mounting systems are more mature and they will ensure the panels can be securely fixed on various surfaces. The permanent installation can reduce wear and tear caused by moving around.

Having said that, portable units can be put away when they are not in use. They are less likely to collect dust and get damaged since the kit could be well protected in the carrying case.

Mobility

Portable solar kit can better chase the sun by avoiding the shadows. The lightweight design also makes it easy to move around. If you are using it to charge your RV or car battery, it means the kit is inside while you drive. That means no wind resistance and better fuel efficiency.

Convenience

As mentioned before, Newpowa portable kit is a plug-and-play product. There is no confusion in terms of choosing the right controller, mounting legs and so on. The kit has included them all. Once you got the kit, you can use it right away without any of the hassle. Also, there is no need for any drilling.

In Short

This article has provided a snapshot of what a rigid and portable solar panel looks like. There are many things to be considered when choosing the right model for you. We have listed some of the common factors above. Overall, it really depends on how much weight you put on these factors.